Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler woke up and chose violence.
The duo just put forward perhaps one of the greatest bouts in mixed martial arts history, one that will live long in the memory of fight fanatics.
If it was fast-paced, back-and-forth action that the UFC fans in Madison Square Gardens wanted, then that was definitely what they got.
Given the resumes of the two men, it was pretty well advertised that this it was going to be a war once those cage doors slammed shut at UFC 268.
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And during the build-up to their lightweight bout, both guys made a point that they were going in with the intention of kicking the main card off with a bang.
Well, they certainly didn't disappoint.
The first round was an absolute slug fest with Gaethje and Chandler both landing a number of significant strikes that wobbled their rival.
From devastating leg kicks to freight train punches and even the odd flying knee, neither fighter was holding back as they looked for an early knockout.
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And with every shot came a roar from the electric New York crowd.
Somehow, miraculously, both men returned to their corners after five minutes of sheer chaos.
But if you thought they'd slow up after such a rapid first round, then you'd sorely mistaken.
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Despite calls from their coaches to calm down and pick their shots, that advice clearly went in one ear and out the other as both Gaethje and Chandler came out swinging once again in the second.
For Chandler, his knee was taking some bad damage and was clearly beginning to hinder him.
Meanwhile, Geathje - who is renowned for marching forward when the going gets tough - sat back and carefully picked his shots masterfully.
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But this time it was Chandler, hands down by his side and blood gushing from his face, walking Gaethje down like a man possessed.
At one point, Gaethje sent Chandler crashing to the deck after a perfectly-timed uppercut landed square on the chin.
To Chandler's credit, he wrestled his way out of trouble and survived the round.
As for the third and final five minutes, that was just as gripping with both guys managing to land some blows that look destined to end the bout.
When the final claxon sounded, both warriors embraced in the centre of the octagon as every person inside the hallowed grounds of MSG rose to their feet.
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Gaethje ended up getting his hand raised with a unanimous decision victory, but both fighters' stocks undoubtedly skyrocketed.
Everyone from MMA die-hards to casual sports fans have reacted to the carnage that unfolded, some even calling it the greatest MMA scrap in history.
Topics: Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, UFC, Australia, MMA, ufc 268
